Ireland is known for green, rolling hills; strong, vibrant people; and unique, native dog breeds as noteworthy as their country of origin: while there are other breeds believed to have origins in Ireland, we’ve curated a list of the nine finest Irish dogs – those officially recognized as purebred by the Irish Kennel Club. Were you already familiar with all of them?
9 Irish Dog Breeds
Raise a glass and say “sláinte” to these true Irish originals!
Irish Red Setter
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If you’re anything like me, when you think ‘Irish dogs’, the Setter is the first that comes to mind. These elegant, auburn-haired bird dogs are very intelligent, and like to have a job to do. They were recognised as a distinct breed in Ireland in the 18th century and were likely descended from a mix of English dogs.
Irish Red and White Setter
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According to the Kennel Club, the Red and White Setter is the original Setter of Ireland.
Nearly identical in build and personality to their red-headed cousin, the Irish Red and White Setter is distinct for its use as a gun dog. Traditionally used by falconers, this breed was once the preference as his colours were easier to spot at a distance.
The Red and White Setter nearly disappeared between the end of the 19th century and the 20th century, but was revived in the 1970s.
Irish Terrier
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There are four Terrier breeds from Ireland, and they have a lot in common, so here’s a tip to help you identify the Irish Terrier: they’re the only one with an all-red coat.
Originally developed to hunt vermin, the Irish Terrier gained immense popularity in Ireland, England, and beyond after serving as a messenger dog and sentinel during World War 1. They were the first of the native Irish Terriers to be recognised by the UK Kennel Club, in 1879.
The hardy, devoted Irish Terrier makes a wonderful family pet.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
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Originating in the gloomy foothills of Glen of Imaal in County Wick, Ireland, this sturdy little Terrier was initially developed to be a badger hunter.
These days, they’re beloved family dogs with many familiar Terrier traits: high enthusiasm, strong prey drive, and deep affection for their people. Plus, they’re so stinking cute, it’s a wonder they aren’t more popular worldwide!
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a big, vibrant hunting dog with a waterproof coat and distinct ‘rat tail’. They bear a strong resemblance to the Portuguese water dog, and it’s possible that they derived from dogs brought over in Portuguese fishing boats, or from poodle-type dogs from France.
Whatever their origins, one thing is certain: the Irish Water Spaniel is a unique dog, and uniquely Irish!
Kerry Blue Terrier
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Another Terrier from Ireland originally bred to catch rats and other vermin on farms, the Kerry Blue is as hardy and devoted as the rest, but has the distinction of being newer than other Irish Terrier breeds. First shown in Ireland in 1913, it wasn’t recognised as a distinct breed in the UK until 1922.
It’s possible Kerries were bred from a combination of Wheaten terriers and Portuguese water dogs, or simply various terrier types. Their diverse history speaks to their diverse charms: Kerries are known for being great all-around farm dogs, family dogs, and friends.
Irish Wolfhound
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The Irish Wolfhound has the distinction of being the tallest of all dog breeds, according to the Kennel Club, with adult males measuring up to 85 cm (34 inches) at the shoulder.
It’s also likely the oldest Irish dog breed, dating at least as far back as the fifth century. These ‘Big Dogs of Ireland’, as they are sometimes called, turn up all over classic Irish literature.
Back in the day, the Wolfhound was bred to hunt wolves, and was popular among Irish nobility. Once the wolf went extinct in Ireland in the late 1700s, the Wolfhound lost favour and almost went extinct itself following the Great Famine of 1840. It was revived in the late 19th century, and today the Irish Wolfhound is a beloved symbol of Irish resilience.
Kerry Beagle
Don’t be fooled by the name: the Kerry Beagle is different from the Beagle recognised by the Kennel Club. It is, in fact, a larger, longer hound with more in common with the American Coonhound (source).
The Kerry Beagle stands alongside the Irish Wolfhound as one of Ireland’s oldest breeds of dog, likely originating from Celtic hounds bred with dogs from the continent to make strong hunting stock.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
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You may have noticed by now that the various Irish terriers have a lot in common with each other.
Wheatens, like their Irish Terrier counterparts, were originally bred to root out vermin in the Irish countryside.
Nicknamed ‘wheaties’, they’re named for their soft, wheat-coloured coat. Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers are beloved for their happy, playful, family-friendly personality.
Takeaway
Whether you’re a Wolfhound hound or have your heart set on a Setter, Ireland has a history of great dogs. What’s your favourite dog of Irish origin?
